Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common condition, affecting approximately 15% of the population. Among children, about 1 in 9 (11%) between the ages of 3 and 17 were diagnosed with OCD in 2022. The rate of new diagnoses has significantly increased, with some studies showing a doubling of new cases between 2020 and 2022.

 

OCD is characterized by persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions), causing significant distress and disruption in daily life. Neurofeedback offers a promising, non-invasive option for helping individuals regulate their brain activity and reduce the impact of OCD symptoms.

 

Neurofeedback works by helping patients retrain their brainwave activity, shifting abnormal brain patterns towards healthier ones. It targets specific brain regions associated with OCD, such as the prefrontal cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus, which are involved in emotional regulation and decision-making. This retraining helps individuals improve self-regulation and control obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

 

Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of neurofeedback for treating OCD. In one study, 33 out of 36 participants showed clinical improvement based on the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale. Another study reported that nearly 92% of participants in a case study group experienced symptom improvement after neurofeedback. Additionally, a 2003 study found that neurofeedback reduced OCD symptoms by 89% as measured by the Padua Inventory, with effects lasting more than 12 months after training. Unlike medication, neurofeedback carries few side effects, with the most common being a temporary feeling of tiredness after a session.